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HomeLan Fed's Meridian 59 Interview talks with Brian Green of upstart start-up Near Death Studios, who have recently announced plans to revive Meridian 59 after acquiring the rights to this MMORPG from 3DO. Topics include the reasons Meridian 59 still generates interest, why they chose to undertake this project, how hard it was to obtain the rights, their current plan for getting the game back online, whether there will be any gameplay changes after the game resumes, their plans for the game engine, their timetable for testing and launching, and more.

Visiontek Xtasy Titanium Line Comparison NVIDIA's new Titanium line up is based on their already mature products, GeForce’s 2 & 3, giving them a considerable advantage over the competition ATI, when it comes to market deadlines, as well as drivers stability and expected performance output. Anyway, getting into business, we put the complete Xtasy Titanium line to the test. Check out the article and see how the new GeForce 2 Ti and GeForce 3 Ti 200 & 500 compare to each other.

Creative Labs 3D Blaster GeForce 3 Ti200 review“NVIDIA GeForce 3 Technology gone mainstream”, as some would say, the 3D Blaster GeForce 3 Titanium 200 is based on one of NVIDIA’s latest chips; the Ti 200 is supposed to offer the best price/performance value, check out 3D Spotlight's review here:

There's a new Wizardry 8 Patch on The Gamers Press' Patch Downloads page. In addition to addressing all the issues already corrected in the previous patch, this new update corrects the duration and poison damage done by Toxic Cloud spells, corrects a bug which reported a "bad monster ID assertion on line 203," drink type items now deplete upon use, and Autosaving will not occur unless this option is turned on.

We are now in the final throws of map selection, so if you haven't submitted your map by now it is doubtful that it will be included in beta2, as we are trying to get this all together asap. However, any maps that you do submit will be considered for future releases so please go ahead and send a link to dasjuden@dayofdefeatmod.com.

Despite some rumors, Beta2 will not be released today. We still have some tweaking to do and several maps that have already been selected need some fixing as well. We want you all to have beta2, like yesterday, but we want to make sure it's an solid bug-free release.

Fox Interactive(tm), Sierra Entertainment(tm), LithTech(tm) and Monolith Productions(tm) are proud to announce the release of mod tools for Aliens vs. Predator(tm)2, sequel to the 1999 cult favorite title Aliens vs. Predator(tm). Here are some of the highlights you can expect in the mod tools 8.73 MB download:

This release provides the latest level and model editing tools from the Talon engine - the powerful package behind AVP2's creation. Included are the world-building tool DEdit and the model editing utility ModelEdit. Monolithhas also included extensive documentation and samples as well as detailed walk-throughs on how to configure game objects for every multiplayer mode, and additionally, LithTech's Talon-based DEdit package offers exporters for a number of the most popular editing tools including some versions of 3D Studio Max and Maya.

Throughout the production process the AvP community has shown their intense passion for the series and, without perhaps knowing it, they have contributed numerous ideas and suggestions that made it into the final game. Since release, we've heard from countless fans salivating at the thought of creating their own content, and we are more than happy to oblige them now... this release of the AvP2 mod tools is part of an effort to support the fan base by offering the tools to create their own levels and keep them current with the code base Monolith is using to author its latest creations.

Head over to the following link to download the AvP2 Mod Tools and thanks to our friends over at GameSpy and FilePlanet...

The American Military’s much publicised enquiries over using Doom deathmatch as a simulation of war, and much more recently, Operation Flashpoint to the same ends, shows the learning potential that games can bestow on us. Being bad is good fun, but many people see a more sinister aspect of games that let you dance on the wrong side of the law. Foxy drops a few opinions, and a few molatovs.

This Christmas Eve on EuroGamer we have a guest editorial from Piers Blofeld, who works as a script consultant for Turning Point, a company specializing in developing storylines for computer and video games. What's The Story addresses the problem of storylines getting tacked onto games late into production, and how to overcome this.

"And lo and behold the game is released, the graphics and gameplay are praised, but the story is attacked for being cliché ridden and seemingly 'tacked on as an afterthought'. Is this surprising when few games are treated to a proper synopsis or complete character profiles outlining their personalities, their motivations and how they will change, and what they will learn?"

Voodooextreme has 3 new screenshots from the futuristic action/RPG hybrid Harbinger developed by Silverback Entertainment. Haven't heard anything about this game, still the screenshots look pretty damn good, no?

The very fortunate staff over at Unknownplayer.com have had a sit down with Ashen Temper from the Shadowbane team, to talk about their upcoming -and highly anticipated- Massive Multiplayer RPG. The interview is a great read, packed with lots of detail and useful information. Don't believe me, well try this quote on for size:

"{UnknownPlayer} Why did you move from being a member of the community to working for Wolfpack? Did they ask you or did you apply for the job?{Ashen_Temper} Actually, I had just got out of the Marine Corps and working at a software company in California when I heard about Shadowbane. After reading everything I could, I instantly knew this was the game for me.{Ashen_Temper} I started running the "Shared Development Board" that all the fansites used giving WP a central place to talk.{Ashen_Temper} After that, I moved up the ladder and became the Site Manager of the Shadowbane Vault (http://sbvault.ign.com/){Ashen_Temper} I talked to members of the WP staff quite often and Warden knew I would be moving back to Texas soon for personal reasons. I met them all at E3 (after a huge car wreck! ack!) and a few weeks later I was offered the job.{Ashen_Temper} offered even =){UnknownPlayer} Hehe very cool{Ashen_Temper} I think they did it so I'd quit hounding them with a ton of questions for SBV, though... {UnknownPlayer} haha{UnknownPlayer} We have seen this happen many different times with different community members{Ashen_Temper} True, there is Lum, Tweety, Savant, G.Bob, even Vosx.{Ashen_Temper} the list is quite lengthy, actually.{UnknownPlayer} yup{Ashen_Temper} I think I was the first of the corporate whores (thank G.Bob for that descriptive term =), though{Rasputin} Yeah, I think so...{Rasputin} GBob was second I do believe{Ashen_Temper} Yes, funny how that worked out =)

I doubt that anyone viewing this page has not already heard of the problems facing Bioware; after a split with long time distributors Interply, Bioware may lose the rights to publish its upcoming D&D Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, Neverwinter Nights. RPgamer have uploaded an article containing a good summary of all of the problems currently facing Bioware, and some thoughts on the future. You can read their thoughts by going here.

Ferrago.co.uk have just posted a recently conducted interview with Chris Taylor founding member of Gas Powered Games. The Inteview talks about Chris's companys upcoming Role Playing Game, Dungeon Siege. The questions covered in this interview include information about the games storyline, Taylor's own motivation to do Dungeon Siege, the future of RPG's, and much more. Here is a quote to wet your lips:

"The game promises an epic 'seamless story' for the single-player experience; what is the premise of this plot? Please give us some detail on how you plan to improve upon what has gone before.

Chris Taylor: The area we wanted to improve upon, was the simplicity in which the traditional epic story is presented. There have been some amazing games that have done a great job of telling some very deep and compelling stories. Our goal was not to create something that takes the complexity of that story-telling deeper, but rather to preserve that sense of "epic" while finding ways to streamline it... to keep the action moving forward, and not let the story get between the player and the action. We also have found ways to provide additional back story in such a way that it is almost transparent to players who are not interested in that sort of thing."

Strategy First have today launched the official Disciples II website. The new website sports detailed information on the four playable races from this game. Namely, the Empire, the Mountain Clans, the Legions of the Damned, and the Undead Hordes. It also features a new gallery section with characters, concept art, 3D renders and and screenshots. Disciples II is scheduled for release in January 2002.

The gang over at Gamespy have just published their first development diary for the upcoming Ultima Online expansion: "Lord Blackthorn's Revenge". Based on story elements originally planned for Ultima Online 2; Lord Blackthorn's Revenge is claimed to be a game driven by a dynamic story, allowing players to influence the actions and events occuring in the world around them. Heres a quote from the news story:

"All of the fiction in the world means nothing in an MMORPG if there isn't something the players can do to affect some part of the story. That's where the dynamic part of the fiction comes in. The stories have factor(s) that the players can actually change or create based on their actions in the game. For instance, in the first scenario, two warring races were fighting for control of a fort. In the final week of the scenario, using special items from previous weeks, the players could ally themselves with one of the races and help that side win the fort. In the end, whichever side the players supported more won control of the fort, making the end of that chapter in the story different."

When it comes to the future, things are always a little hazy. Psychics say things like "tomorrow, you will have to find the solution to a problem". Bah. What CitizenC & Klown have done is predicted several gaming-related headlines which we expect to see in the year 2002.

Following the great succes at the Counter-Strike world championship in Dallas, which was carried out according to the "maxrounds system", the CPL Europe is going to adapt its rules accordingly. Already the next and all following CPL Europe Events 2002 will be held exlusively following this new system. The Counter-Strike CPL Special Edition, which is the official game version for the CPL European championships, has been changed to the effect that as of immediately there will only be "attackers" and "defenders". These titles replace the previously used terms "Counter-Terrorists" and "Terrorists" there are no gameplay changes involved though. There will also be a change concerning ones configs.

Configs cannot be changed manually any longer; all changes are only be possible via GUI.

The announcement for 2002 at this early point in time should enable all teams to adjust to these rules and to prepare themselves for the participation in the CPL Europe Events. The calendar of events with all upcoming CPL Europe events will be brought up to date and made available early next year.

Magnet, a Polar Bear from The Baltimore Zoo, Available for Download into Zoo Tycoon PC Game

WHAT: Players of Microsoft's new PC game, Zoo Tycoon, can now try their hand at designing the perfect habitat for America's favorite zoo animal, Magnet, a polar bear from the Baltimore Zoo.

After weeks of ferocious competition, Magnet iced the competition to become Beast in Show, making him an instant star and the first four-legged honorary employee to join the ranks of Microsoft. Magnet will serve as a Tundra Trend Technician, providing insight into the world of Arctic habitats for all Zoo Tycoon players.

Beginning today, Zoo Tycoon players can download Magnet as well as other new items by visiting www.zootycoon.com. Adding excitement to gameplay, Magnet will swim, play and eat in his very own Arctic paradise. Players can read about Magnet and his penchant for eating fish while doing the backstroke, and create the ultimate polar bear habitat.

Zoo Tycoon is the newest sensation in the world of simulation games. Players are challenged to build and maintain the ultimate zoo, and success depends on the happiness of the animals and the zoo visitors.

In addition to Magnet, the following new items are now available for download:

FilePlanet is now mirroring the new multiplayer demo from the WWII based action FPS, Return to Castle Wolfenstein. This demo includes the Beach Assault map from the MP Test and also a new map called Trench Toast. There is also an Add-On for those that own the retail game that will insert this new multiplayer map.

Putting the turkey and Christmas shopping aside, this Friday on EuroGamer.net we take a look at Gray Matter / Nerve's Return to Castle Wolfenstein. Will it be a worthy successor to such an historic first person shooter, or will it fall flat on its face?

"The multiplayer game is what really defines Return to Castle Wolfenstein. As revealed a while ago, Gray Matter actually spent their time developing the single player game, while a group called Nerve worked on multiplayer. When the ‘test’ was released, it was obvious why. RTCW multiplayer is like digital crack. Amazing really, given the scope of the multiplayer game when compared to that simplistic demo. Its only real fault is the lack of bot players - you will need to play on the Internet or a big LAN to get a good game, so make sure you have a decent connection."

Since it's the holiday season, Actionvault decided to ask numerous developers in the action and space sim communities what they're hoping to receive in their stockings this year, game-related and otherwise. We've compiled the first batch of their responses in our Developers' 2001 Holiday Wish Lists. Today, we hear from members of 3D Realms, Epic Games, Legend and Monolith.

Beginning Monday evening, January 7th, individuals residing in the United States or Canada will have the opportunity to register for their chance to be one of 5,000 players chosen to play-test Warcraft III®: Reign of Chaos™. These players will be the first to experience the new Real-Time Strategy Game from Blizzard.

The beta signup is scheduled for a 24-hour period on www.blizzard.com, beginning on Monday, January 7th at 11:00 p.m Pacific Standard Time (GMT -8). and ending on Tuesday, January 8th at 11:00 p.m Pacific Standard Time (GMT -8). Following the registration period, we will randomly select 5,000 testers based on a variety of system configurations and locations. Please note that multiple submissions will result in disqualification.

The beta, which will be playable only over Battle.net, will give selected testers a chance to play all four races -- Humans, Orcs, Night Elves and Undead. Each race is armed with unique units, magical abilities, and impressive weapons designed to aid them in combat as they renew their struggle for dominance. For more information on Warcraft III, please visit http://www.blizzard.com/war3/.

Strategy First kicks off the holidays with the launch of a new corporate website Welcome to www.strategyfirst.com (to be launched on the 21st)

"The sheer volume of games we are publishing in the coming months and the desire to connect with our customers was reason enough for us to take a lookat developing a completely new site," said Steve Milburn, Director of Marketing.

The Strategy First website will include a central home page that will include the most up-to-date news on all of Strategy First's products and corporate initiatives. It will feature a GAMES page that will detail the story, features and system requirements of each individual product; a DOWNLOADS page that will offer readers the latest patches, demos, trailers, wallpapers and screenshots; a COMMUNITY page that will host the game forums; and a CORPORATE page that will give readers background information on the company and its partners.

"Our web team has done a fantastic job of developing a site that is easy to navigate, quick to load and nice to look at," said Adam Phillips, Product Manager. "It does a great job of reflecting an overall company image which is what we were looking for. Although we still intend on developing our individual game-themed sites, this allows us to centralize all of our content on one main location. The launch is the first step in a continuous effort to enhance our growing gaming community and players' overall experience with Strategy First titles."

Strategy First also plans to re-launch the Disciples II website (www.disciples2.com) with the latest news and progress reports, as well as material for the players, such as screenshots, wallpapers and of course the "Developer Corner". Disciples II, which is the first title to be released from Strategy First's roster in 2002, will hit store shelves in lateJanuary. Fans of the original and those who are anxiously awaiting the sequel will be able to learn more about what has been going on in the development process over the past year and see some of the changes the game has undergone since its debut at last year's E3 Expo.

With a host of exciting new titles available, some of which have already won several gaming awards, Strategy First looks ahead to 2002 with great expectations. To learn more about the company and/or its products, log onto www.strategyfirst.com

I don't know if this is common knowledge at this point or not, but apparently some security researchers discovered that Windows XP's universal plug and play features contain a huge security flaw: 'A Microsoft official acknowledged that the risk to consumers was unprecedented because the glitches allow hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the Internet. ... Microsoft made available on its Web site a free fix for both home and professional editions of Windows XP and forcefully urged consumers to install it immediately.

Sofia/Langen. Recently Vesselin Handjiev, founder and General Manager of Black Sea Studios signed an exclusive contract with SUNFLOWERS’ Managing Director Jürgen Reusswig for the development of four full-price titles. Effective immediately, both the Bulgarian development team Black Sea Studios and the Langen-based software house SUNFLOWERS are directing all their efforts towards a long-term exclusive cooperation. This cooperation is due to begin with a real-time strategy game. The two companies plan to work together very closely. Jürgen Reusswig, SUNFLOWERS’ Managing Director is very pleased about the contract:

“With Black Sea Studios we’ve found a team which complements SUNFLOWERS perfectly. Both companies are dedicated to providing only the best in quality products. Black Sea Studios staff of 15 impressed us with their extensive experience in the sector. Their innovative and unusually creative ideas captivated us immediately. Providing an incredible level of fun and long-term motivation in a both technically and graphically high-quality environment is priority number one for the Bulgarian team. We are extremely happy to be working with Black Sea Studios.”

Vesselin Handjiev, General Manager Black Sea Studios:“We are very happy that we found a company who adores the quality and the fun factor of games as much as we do. With SUNFLOWERS we have the ideal partner, because of their perfect game development know-how in all areas. Furthermore their intensive care and professional marketing given to all products are extremely impressive. They provide a full range of support we ever wished. With SUNFLOWERS we have the opportunity to focus on what we really want to do – crafting perfect games. We look forward to a long-term and sucessful relationship with them.”

Schanz International Consultants of Germany are excitedly announcing having arranged the exclusive partnership between leading development studios, Black Sea Studios in Bulgaria and Sunflowers Entertainment in Germany (of Anno 1602 fame), for four forthcoming titles.

Gerhard Schanz, managing director at Schanz Consultants declares “it is one of our proudest developer-publisher partnerships, amongst the many we have forged. We are confident that Black Sea Studios will deliver games to the industry that are path-braking blockbusters. We wish both companies great success and a long partnership”.

Vesselin Handjiev, founder and president of Black Sea Studios, says “the new partnership with Sunflowers is unique with a very special understanding of each other’s needs and capabilities. We are looking forward to the beginning of this relationship with our first RTS game on which work is in full force. Black Sea Studios is very pleased with the professional services of Schanz International Consultants and we will continue our strong relationship into the future”.

BattleGoat Studios is pleased to announce new details on its upcoming release "Supreme Ruler 2010". Supreme Ruler 2010 is an Economic, Political, and Military Strategy game for Windows based PC's that is scheduled to be released Q2, 2002.

1) Updated Web Site... We are just finishing the process of remodeling the Supreme Ruler 2010 Website. The new look is cleaner and much more polished. As well, it is easier to navigate. Hope you enjoy the new look!

2) Unit of the Week... As of today, we have started posting 3D Renderings of the units that will be available in Supreme Ruler 2010. Our intention is to post at least one new unit every Monday. Click here for a quick link directly to the "Unit of the Week"

3) New Screen Shots! Australia - One of the scenarios that we've already implemented is the "Battle for Australia". Here's a look at the regions of Victoria and of Northern New Zealand.

The Map Editor - We've added a couple of new screen shots illustrating the Map Editor that is included with Supreme Ruler 2010. You can compare how the "Terrain Painting" looks to the Satellite Image background, and see how Airports and Seaports are added to cities such as Darwin.

Montreal, Quebec (December 20th, 2001) - Strategy First gave Disciples fans an early Christmas gift today by announcing the launch of the official Disciples II website

The new website will feature a completely new site layout with interactive theme selections, where readers can choose from four themed pages based on the four races featured in the game - the Empire, Mountain Clans, Legions of the Damned and the Undead Hordes. It will also feature an all-new gallery section with characters, concept art, 3D renders and screenshots; a new downloads page featuring in-game music and in-game video clips; links to previews, interviews, designer diaries; selected in-game graphics; and the new system requirements.

Eventually the team plans on adding wallpapers, fan site design kits, screen savers and other downloadable goodies in the weeks and months to come.

About Disciples II - THE GAMEDisciples II: Dark Prophecy returns gamers to the magical realm of the Sacred Lands where four races ­ the Empire, the Mountain Clans, the Legions of the Damned and the Undead Hordes ­ continue the battle for the destiny of their Gods. A decade after the First Great War, the final prophecy continues to unfold. Deep within the crevices of the Sacred Lands, theChosen One has emerged, fated to bring salvation to some and destruction to others. Braced with renewed faith and newfound conviction, each race must once again take up the sword for the sake of their people and the glory of their God.

The struggle to bring order to a tormented world continues with a new and evolving story. Showcasing new graphics, supporting 800 x 600 16-bit resolution, over 200 engaging characters will come to life in an epic battle of sword and sorcery. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, improved AI, and an upgraded battle system, Disciples II: Dark Prophecy promises to provide the answer to the ultimate question - Who among them will survive…

XeNTaX is proud to release the latest version upgrade of the MultiEx Commander for Windows 98. The new installment has a new colour layout, added features and more game archives that can be opened and altered. Plus, due to the ommitance of the background music, the download size has been decreased with 2 Mb!

At 116 Mb, it’s the smallest of the recent three demos to give us PC owners something to cheer about. But it isn’t small. But then, with a game like Serious Sam, what is? Not a whole lot. You get a good chunk of the full games weaponry, a full map from the single player game, and even a deathmatch map to play around on. It rules. Really.

Forbid-eden.co.uk have a review of the UBoat game Silent Hunter II, heres a snippet:

"OK firstly all you FPS junkies may as well walk away now believe me if you play nothing but FPS you will not enjoy this game, and if your looking for a new piece of software to test your new Graphics card and 1.5 htz chip also walk away! this is not the game that will do either of them with."

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) officially announced today that they have signed an exclusive deal with New Line Cinema to create games based on the upcoming The Lord of the Rings movies. New Line Cinema will release three movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic literary works, beginning with The Fellowship of the Ring (December 19, 2001), followed by The Two Towers (Holiday 2002) and The Return of the King (Holiday 2003). The license grants EA the exclusive rights to develop and publish products based on the movies for next generation video game consoles and handheld platforms.

EA will launch the first of their games in Fall 2002, in conjunction with the second motion picture, The Two Towers. Information on the subsequent games will be announced at a later date.

Microsoft today announced that Flight Simulator 2002 is the recent recipient of a number of awards. Flight Simulator 2002 received AVSIM's most distinguished award, the AVSIM Gold Medal for Excellence in Flightsim Design. AVSIM , billed as "the premiere site for flight simulation enthusiasts," has given only 20 of these awards over the last three years, out of more than 450 qualifying products.

The sim has also won the prestigious "Editor's Choice" award from PC Gamer, "The World's Bestselling PC Games Magazine," getting a 92% in their January review; CombatSim.com's "Top Pick" award; and Australia's Atomic Magazine's "Hot" award.

According to Matt Johnson in AVSIM's review, "FS2002 is a quantum leap from FS2000, not dissimilar to the jump we saw between FS6 and FS98. Microsoft has done more than enough to fend off its competitors in this field for now, and FS2002 has certainly earned its place on my hard disk as the flight simulator on the leading edge of development and performance in its field."

"The Microsoft Flight Simulator team is honored to receive AVSIM’s highest award for Excellence in Flightsim Design," said product manager Darryl Saunders. "AVSIM is one of the premiere community websites for simulation enthusiasts and their acknowledgment of the high quality and ground breaking features of FS2002 is taken with significant pride. With over 20 years of history, this version of Microsoft Flight Simulator has set new standards for the genre, and AVSIM’s in-depth review helps highlight some of the amazing technical progress the team has made. We are thrilled that the community has embraced FS2002 as 'product of the year' in flight simulation."

Flight Simulator 2002 is the revolutionary new version of Microsoft's highly realistic aviation simulation - the best-selling PC flight simulation ever produced. Flight Simulator 2002 introduces many exciting features, including interactive Air Traffic Control (ATC), auto-generated scenery, challenging new aircraft -- even a floatplane -- and stunning visual enhancements that truly make Flight Simulator 2002 "as real as it gets."

Since the news files were deleted after the server barred new additions due to the space limit we have lost the news again till my last backup, which was in early November. Things should be back to normal now and I think i'll be making more freequent backups...